Planning Commission extends remote‑hearing authority, clears path for hybrid meetings

SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Planning Commission voted unanimously March 3 to adopt an updated resolution allowing remote hearings to continue and to permit hybrid hearings when the commission returns to City Hall.

The resolution, which commissioners said was sent to them and made public the night before the meeting, preserves call‑in and WebEx participation while authorizing meetings to be held in Room 400 of City Hall when at least one commissioner elects to be in person. “We’ll be using this WebEx platform for the hybrid hearings,” the commission secretary said, adding that SFGovTV will manage the broadcast and that participants should turn on video when speaking.

Why it matters: The change maintains access for remote participants while restoring an in‑person option for those who prefer to appear at City Hall. Staff said Room 400 has been equipped with new audio‑visual gear and MERV filtration and that the city currently intends to require masks in City Hall for the near term.

Public commenters raised concerns about notice and equitable access. Sue Hester asked whether a hearing on March 24 would be held in person and urged clearer calendaring so people know when and how to participate. Georgia Shuter said she misses in‑person options for pre‑application and public‑comment processes, and asked that traditional time allotments be restored when safe.

Planning staff and commissioners described operational safeguards and timelines. Liz Waddy, director of current planning, said pre‑application meetings will be allowed as remote, in‑person or hybrid starting the week of March 7, with a plan to return to fully in‑person pre‑application meetings on July 1. “Starting next Monday, we are allowing applicants to do either remote, in person, or a hybrid system,” Waddy said. She added that when remote elements are used, applicants must follow existing remote protocols, including providing a local or toll‑free call‑in number.

Commissioners discussed spacing on the dais, roping off every other row in the public seating area and whether speaking times should differ for in‑person versus remote participants; legal staff said speaking times must remain equivalent to protect due process. The commission also said it will continue to evaluate accessibility and equity issues related to technology and participation.

The motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded, and the commission voted 6–0 to adopt it. The adopted resolution remains subject to relevant city mandates and will be implemented by staff working with SFGovTV.

What’s next: Staff said arrangements can be made for commissioners to tour Room 400 before the first hybrid hearing and that further logistical refinements will be developed as hybrid operations begin.